GET A PET – AND GO SWIMMING!

A FEW years ago, my family became the proud owner of a Tibetan spaniel named Oliver. He is, without a doubt, one of the pillars supporting my work and ability to function.

Because of him, it’s essential to take a walk every day. Life suddenly has new meaning, a new kind of responsibility, and a more regular rhythm — together with a lot of selfless love and affection. Just stroking an animal increases your production of oxytocin, a hormone that acts as a natural painkiller.

A pet also helps us make friends, and it’s well known that social relationships promote health. Loneliness, in contrast, increases our experience of pain.

In one U.S. study, 235 patients were given the opportunity to stroke a therapy dog while waiting for the doctor. Patients did a questionnaire before and after, which showed that those who spent time with the dog reported less pain than those who did not, regardless of their diagnosis.

Fibromyalgia patients reacted exceptionally well — their pain was alleviated by a third.

Try out having a pet by taking care of a friend’s, or use a pet- sharing website such as borrowmydoggy.com.

Meanwhile, water has been used to treat pain for millennia, and research indicates hydrotherapy (physical therapy in warm water) and balneotherapy (treatments in mineral-rich waters and mud baths) can relieve chronic pain — and the effects can last months.

Warm water relaxes the muscles, while the pressure of water on the skin activates nerves that prevent the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

Both therapies stimulate the release of endorphins, another natural painkiller.

Hydrotherapy is available on the NHS. Ask your GP to refer you, via a physiotherapist.